To work as a hotel or motel manager, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have one to five years of related work experience.

Education after high school

Some hotel and motel managers learn their skills through formal training programs. Community and junior colleges and some universities offer two- or four-year degree programs in hotel and motel management. Technical institutes and professional-vocational schools also offer formal programs. These programs may be from one to two years long. Most formal programs include courses in accounting, marketing, and food service management.

Employers also hire people who have a degree in another field, such as business or liberal arts.

Work experience

Many employers promote outstanding employees into management positions. You usually need several years of work experience. Some employers require formal training in addition to years of work experience.

Most graduates, especially those who have a liberal arts degree, need work experience. An internship or a part-time job in the hotel industry is a good way to gain experience.

On-the-job training

Larger hotels often provide training. New managers rotate through various departments to learn the business. Other hotels may pay for formal training in hotel management for their outstanding employees. Training may last up to three months.